R -- Mission Communication Systems Support

The 727 ACSG proposes to contract with L-3 Communications of Greenville TX to provide Mission Communications System (MCS) Support for the VC-25A, C-20 and C-9C Special Air Mission (SAM) aircraft. The MCS is a suite of airborne electronic equipment and systems composed of voice, data, facsimile, Internet Protocol (IP) and encryption/decryption equipment interconnected with radio communications systems by the Communications Switching System (CSS). The switch is software and hardware driven. The proprietary data for the switch is owned by L-3 Communications (previously E-Systems Inc.). The Government has only limited rights in the data for the switching systems and therefore will not be able to provide the data to contractors. While the MCS for each of the aircraft within the SAM fleet complies with the same general MCS description, each platform has a different specific combination of equipment to suit the mission and aircraft size. The proposed effort will include program management, review of service reports, daily requests for technical information, performing preliminary engineering investigations, Field Technical Representatives, maintenance of the Systems Integration Lab (SIL), and the requirement to maintain drawings and technical data files. The proposed effort will also include 24-hour standby service to respond to in-flight emergencies and emergency inquiries, on-site support and operation of test benches located at Andrews AFB, MD, on-site return-to-service capability for Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), and SIL used for sustainment of current software and testing prior to integration of new systems to the MCS. Non-recurring effort consists of requests for software/hardware corrections; engineering feasibility studies, analyses and investigations of Deficiency Reports (DRs) and mishaps; requirements for technical orders, preliminary engineering change proposals, hardware/software development and test. Non-recurring effort also will include modifications, upgrades and enhancements requiring design, testing, integration, kit/spare purchases and kit installs at depot maintenance facilities and in the field. This effort also provides for troubleshooting, modification or repair at the Contractor's facility. See Numbered Notes: 13, 22 and 26